Euclid lakefront plan unveiled

That's how Euclid's lakefront development plan was laid out Wednesday evening for members of the Executive & Finance Committee.

"We're here tonight to reclaim our lakefront," Mayor Bill Cervenik said. "The price tag is not a small one, but history shows that with a project like this private investments increases public funds tenfold."

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JJR, a Madison-based consulting firm hired to do a feasibility study, gave a presentation on the draft version of the proposed $47 million project. The final version will be complete in a couple weeks.

The plan focuses on the east end, Sims Park, and the west end, where the Harbor Town Marina would be located along East 242nd Street. The proposed marina would be located east of two high-rise apartment buildings and directly in front of the complexes.

JJR's principal designer Ed Freer said the firm wants to expand on the panoramic views in Sims Park. They also want to include paths to the lake, fishing piers and areas for bird watching. The public currently has access to 6 percent of the lakefront.

The marina could include about 200 boatslips, and there was discussion about including restaurants and other amenities.

"When it's all said and done, you have two green spaces book-ending the lake. It's your living room," said Ed Freer, JJR's principal designer.

To get residents and outside visitors to the lake, there must be connections from the lake to the interstates, he said.

JJR's Jason Stangland, project manager and landscape architect, added that the proposal is essential to "creating a waterfront series of neighborhoods."

The majority of the construction costs are expected to be paid for by the K&D Group, the private sector partner.

About $3 million already has been set aside from the city's capital improvement budget. Euclid officials also are seeking more local, state and federal assistance.

Council President Kirsten Holzheimer Gail suggested expanding the city's current tax-increment financing (TIF) areas. With TIF, any additional investments along the waterfront would fund capital improvements.

State Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, was enthusiastic about the proposed project, and urged city officials to act soon.

"This is a great, tremendous opportunity. This is an opportunity to put your signature on a plan that lasts a lifetime," Yuko said.

"Everybody's focusing on the Great Lakes and the time is now."

The consultants also pointed to creating connections between Sims Park and the downtown Euclid business district to increase marketability and improve waterfront accessibility.

Completion of the project would range between two to three years, the consultants said.